Neurophysiological status of patients with non-valve atrial fibrillation

Aim. To evaluate the neuropsychological parameters from the main cognitive domains (neurodynamic functions, attention and short-term memory) and the brain electrical activity in patients with non-valve atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods. 21 patients with the mean age of 61 [56; 67] years with non-valve AF who were admitted to the Department of Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment at the Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Disease were included in the study. The control group consisted of 17 healthy individuals with the mean age of 55 [49; 62] years. All patients underwent neuropsychological screening and computerized testing of neurodynamic functions, attention and short-term memory along with electroencephalographic studies. Statistical analysis was performed using the STATISTICA 10.0 software package.

Results. Mild cognitive impairment was observed in 43% of patients with non-valve AF accompanied by ischemic brain matter changes according to the findings of magnetic resonance imaging. Patients with AF had slower complex sensorimotor reaction, more errors, worse directed attention, memorization of words and meaningless syllables in comparison with healthy individuals. In addition, patients with AF and healthy subjects had differences in the fronto-occipital gradient of theta-2 rhythm. The worst neurodynamic parameters were associated with a greater power of theta rhythms predominantly in the posterior parts of the brain only in patients with AF.

Conclusion. Patients with non-valve AF had cognitive deficit with impaired executive control, attention and short-term memory as well as the slowing of cortical electrical activity in comparison to healthy individuals. The data obtained in our study are beneficial for developing an individual approach to prevent the development and progression of cognitive impairment in patients with AF.

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